Animals being are ‘terrorised’ by youngsters (From Keighley News)

Animals being are ‘terrorised’ by youngsters

2:00pm Saturday 18th August 2012 in Keighley

Teenagers have been condemned for terrorising animals at smallholdings in Denholme.

Denholme Small Holders’ Association keeps animal pens near Foster Park, which some of its members say are being targeted by children who let animals out and chase them about. The pens contain a variety of animals including horses, chickens, turkeys and geese.

Amanda Bower, of Denholme, who keeps two turkeys there, said one of her pets went missing for days after being let out of the pen.

She said: “Other residents are too scared to come forward, but a group of teenagers have been terrorising the animals in the pens.” Another concerned animal owner, who did not want to be named, said he had seen children chasing the animals around and that he had been hit with stones himself.

Ward councillor Michael Ellis (Con, Bingley Rural) urged anyone with information about the culprits to contact the police.

He said: “I have reported it to the police, and the local police team are going to keep a watch.”

Alison Otulakowski, secretary of Denholme Small Holders’ Association, said: “I would urge animal owners to look after their own property and make sure the animals are cared for and their pens locked up properly and maintained.”